By Blake Jackson
Danyang Liu has been appointed superintendent of the Spooner Agricultural Research Station (ARS), part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ statewide Agricultural Research Station network.
Assuming the role in June 2026, Liu became responsible for managing the station’s staff, research programs, and outreach activities across the 380-acre facility.
Established in 1909, Spooner ARS serves as an important research center for northern Wisconsin agriculture. The station focuses on challenges associated with the region’s cooler climate, shorter growing season, and sandy loam soils.
Ongoing research includes crops such as oats, barley, winter wheat, corn, soybeans, alfalfa, forage grasses, hazelnuts, and table grapes.
The station also maintains a volunteer-supported public demonstration garden featuring perennial plants, vegetable varieties, flowers, and grapes. Liu succeeds longtime superintendent Phil Holman.
Liu brings a diverse background in horticulture, agricultural research, and technology. He earned a doctorate in horticulture from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree from Southwest University in Chongqing, China.
Liu expertise includes crop stress physiology, sustainable soil and weed management, small fruit production, and the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to improve agricultural resilience.
According to Liu, the position combines many aspects of his previous experience, including academic research, Extension outreach, leadership, and industry innovation. He was also drawn to the university’s land-grant mission of delivering practical, research-based solutions to growers.
Liu noted that Spooner’s environment reminded him of his hometown, making the transition an easy one for his family.
Looking ahead, Liu plans to support ongoing research projects while expanding community engagement through educational programs, workshops, and the station’s annual Twilight Garden Tour. He hopes to inspire more people to grow their own food and encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture.
Outside of work, Liu enjoys playing musical instruments, camping, fishing, spending time outdoors, building custom electronics, and playing video games.
Photo Credit: spooner-agricultural-research-station
Categories: Wisconsin, Education